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Giroud was linked with Everton last summer and although the Frenchman didn't make a switch to Merseyside from Arsenal, Theo Walcott did in January.

The 29-year-old forward headed to Goodison Park in a deal worth more than £20million.

“All our fans knew that Theo did not leave because he had any problem with Arsenal," Wenger added.

"It was just because he wanted to play and wanted to give himself a chance because he didn’t get enough games here.

"Theo is experienced, is a real Arsenal lover and is a guy who always respected the fans and the club. Both Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud are similar cases on that front.”

Giroud recently opened up on his transfer to Chelsea.

He has scored once for Antonio Conte's side since joining.

“I went to see the coach (Wenger) to ask him where he was with Aubameyang. I put him under a bit of pressure, like my agent, who I spoke to several times a day. It is normal. I did not want to be deprived of going to Chelsea which was the best solution for me," he told France Football.

“The coach immediately said to me: 'Don't worry, I will do my best so that you are happy'. On one side, it was normal. I had never asked to leave.

"On the other, I knew that he would not cause problems given the relationship we had always had. He even said to me that it would p*** him off if I did not go to Russia."

(Image: Chelsea FC)

Giroud insisted he left Arsenal to become happy again – and he did not join Chelsea for the money.

The Blues forward said: “It was frustrating at Arsenal obviously. For a year and a half, it went from bad to worse. I could no longer continue like that.

"I could not bring myself to spend another year at Arsenal and remain a reserve, even a second reserve. The future looked gloomy with the arrival of a new striker (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang). I wanted to become happier again by playing, so I left – it is as simple as that.”